MTSU alumni, students urged to take advantage of hospitality industry career fair

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students and alumni, get your resumes ready for a spring career fair hosted by the university’s Tourism and Hospitality Management and Leisure and Sport Management programs.

Dr. Yi "Vanessa" Liu — Dr. Yi “Vanessa” Liu

Set for 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Tourism and Hospitality/Leisure and Sport Management Career Fair for MTSU alumni and current students will be held on campus in the Student Union Ballroom, 1768 MTSU Blvd.

The career fair will welcome over two dozen recruiters, including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Richland Country Club, Chartwell Hospitality, Vanderbilt University Athletic Department, Camp War Eagle, Deer Run Camps and Retreats, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Nashville Shores, among others.

“I would like to see more opportunities for meaningful connections and collaboration between our industry partners and our students,” said event organizer Yi “Vanessa” Liu, assistant professor in MTSU’s Tourism and Hospitality program within the Department of Health and Human Performance. “Strengthening these relationships is essential, as they provide students with valuable hands-on experience, expanded professional networks, and clearer pathways into their chosen careers.”

Students at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., talk with vendors from across the region at the 2025 Tourism and Hospitality/Leisure and Sport Management Career Fair held in the Student Union Ballroom on campus. This year’s event — open to MTSU students and alumni — is set for Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the ballroom. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)

Planning for the future

The spring career fair is designed to connect students with employers in the hospitality and sports industries, but organizers stress that it is open to far more than just Tourism and Hospitality Management and Leisure and Sport Management majors.

College of Behavioral and Health Sciences

“As faculty, I try to prepare students to make the most of these opportunities,” Liu said. “I encourage students to prepare thoughtful elevator pitches and polished résumés. I also advise them to research participating organizations in advance and to present themselves professionally, as first impressions are critical.”

Students can find updated information about participating companies by visiting the career fair registration website at https://bit.ly/46IH6Wx.

Liu encouraged students planning to attend to bring a résumé, dress professionally and take advantage of the opportunity to meet employers recruiting for entry-level professional and internship positions across a variety of majors.

“Students are encouraged to attend workshops offered by the Career Development Center to further develop their confidence and professionalism,” Liu said.

Students who need professional attire can visit the campus Career Closet, which provides gently used business clothing that students may keep. The closet is housed in the MTSU Career Development Center, Keathley University Center Room 328, where students can also receive assistance with résumés and other career resources.

Alumni who plan to bring vehicles to campus for the fair may obtain visitor parking passes through MTSU’s Office of Parking and Transportation, 205 City View Drive, or pay by plate online at mtsu.edu/parking/visit.php. Passes are $4 per day. A campus parking map is available at https://bit.ly/parkingmap2025.

The Department of Health and Human Performance is part of the MTSU College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. Learn more at https://cbhs.mtsu.edu/.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)